Bethlehem Star

From our earliest memories of the Christmas story, we have heard of the magi who came to visit the Christ child, but what do we really know about them? Where did they come from? Why were they interested in a king born in Palestine? Who were they? There is a great deal of myth & mystery about them.

Psalms 19:1 - 4 (NLT) 1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

In the Book of Job, Chapter 9, Job credits God with creation of the stars and constellations:
(9) He is the Maker of the Bear [Ursa Major] and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.
And in Job Chapter 38, God makes much the same point. He, not man, is sovereign over the creation, particularly the constellations:
(31) "Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? (32) Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons...

God reveals Himself in many ways. One place to find God is in the stars. Astrology is often defined as the the study of the influences of the cosmos on life on earth. Astrology is dangerous and wrong spirited. The cosmos does not determine life of earth. However, God can declare His plans through the stars. Wikipedia states, "Astrology and astronomy were often indistinguishable before the modern era, with the desire for predictive and divinatory knowledge one of the primary motivating factors for astronomical observation. Astronomy began to diverge from astrology after a period of gradual separation from the Renaissance up until the 18th century. Eventually, astronomy distinguished itself as the scientific study of astronomical objects and phenomena without regard to the astrological meaning of these phenomena."

Christ followers should have no fear of science. In fact, I believe an unbiased view of science reinforces Bible truths. Bethlehemstar.net is a great source for more information concerning the Star of Bethlehem. Plan to be amazed. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse.

Merry Christmas,

Stan

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a dot in the Indian Ocean, located 1600 miles north-west of Perth, Western Australia. Even though it is an Australian Territory, its closest neighbor is Java, 220 miles away. 63% of it is national park containing species of flora & fauna found nowhere else in the world! Probably the most noticeable local is the Red Crab with over 100 million of these vivid red creatures living on the forest floor.
Exploring the waters surrounding the island is an experience not to be missed. Myriads of tropical fish swim by in only a few feet of water, while a short distance away, divers can cruise the drop-off which plunges dramatically into the abyss. A person may even bump into one of the local spinner dolphins or at certain times of the year meet the majestic whaleshark!
Christmas is always an island; an island of hope in a world of despair, an island of love in a world of indifference, an island of giving in a self-centered world. The angelic host on the night of our Savior’s birth summoned all to come to Christmas Island!
Merry Christmas,
Stan

Why Christmas?

It was a bit surreal to see Christmas trees and decorations in a predominately Buddhist country, Thailand. It was wonderful and strange hearing Joy to the World in the shopping mall, knowing that most of the shoppers had no idea what the words meant. In the airport in Tokyo, Michelle and I heard a beautiful rendition of Silent Night. I am sure the savvy Japanese shop owners were trying to get the European and American travelers into a buying mood.
While in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Michelle and I attended a luncheon, organized by Todd and Julie Powers, for missionaries. I spoke to the group of about 50 missionaries, who are preaching the good news of Jesus Christ in several Asian countries. Many help orphans, others have Bible training schools, others teach English, some are Bible translators, etc. I am in awe of those who leave home and familiar culture to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. It was an honor to encourage them.
Many theologians today claim the efforts of these missionaries is a less than noble cause, even arrogant, judgmental and wrong. Many today profess that we should not change the beliefs of others. They claim that all roads lead to heaven, and all religions are wonderful. Because God loves everyone and Jesus died to save everyone, then no person will be sent to hell, according to this line of thinking. We should not be proselytizing those of other faiths, according to this theory.There are difficult questions to consider. What about those who never hear the gospel? Is this an argument for not preaching the gospel around the world? If a loving God will not send anyone to hell; if all roads lead to heaven, then why Christmas? Why did God send His Son into this world? If there is no need for a Savior, then why did Jesus suffer and die? If Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and others are sufficient ways to attain eternal life, then why Christmas?